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Sudbury’s first female chief of police takes over next week

Greater Sudbury Police Board chair Al Sizer credits Cunningham’s 26 years of service with GSPS and the ‘vast experience’ she brings to the role as key selling points
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Sara Cunningham has been named the new chief of Greater Sudbury Police Service.

SUDBURY - After what the Greater Sudbury Police Board describes as a “comprehensive national search,” they’ve decided to hire from within and name Sara Cunningham the new chief of police.

This also makes her Greater Sudbury’s first female chief of police.

“Deputy Chief Cunningham’s 26 years with the service has made her well-equipped to assume this position,” chair Al Sizer said in a media release issued Friday. 

“She has served with pride, distinction, and excellence, and brings vast experience to the role. I am very pleased to have her serve as our next chief.”

Cunningham currently serves as deputy chief alongside Natalie Hiltz, who have been trading roles as acting chief since Paul Pedersen vacated the role in June.

Now chief-designate, Cunningham will officially commence her duties as chief on Sept. 23.

The police board will publish details on the swearing-in ceremony and the process of replacing the role of deputy chief of police of administration shortly, according to their media release.

“I am incredibly honoured that the board has selected me to serve as the next chief of police,” Cunningham said in a media release.

“Greater Sudbury has always been home and for the past 26 years, GSPS has been a part of my family. I am deeply committed to our members, their health and wellness and policing with pride and professionalism. I am dedicated to advancing innovative policing practices, effectively and efficiently deploying resources and continuing to engage with and learn from the diverse communities that we serve.”

As deputy chief of administration, Cunningham is credited with having directed the divisions of Human Resources and Professional Development, Finance, Communication and Information Technology and Information Management. 

Cunningham has a bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Police Leadership Program.

She is the recipient of the Governor General Exemplary Service 20-year medal and the Order of Merit of Police Services. She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Ontario Women in Law Enforcement.

“Deputy Chief Cunningham stood out in the competition with strong leadership skills and a community-focused approach to policing and organizational management,” vice-chair Gerry Lougheed said in a media release. 

“She demonstrates a strong commitment to working with community stakeholders, GSPS members and the associations. The board was unanimous in their decision and is excited to announce the appointment of Sara Cunningham as our new chief.”

The media release noted that Cunningham is dedicated to community safety and well-being to support those experiencing homelessness, mental health and addictions, and “will continue to foster community partnership with a focus on data-driven and intelligence-led community policing practices.”

Sizer capped the media release by thanking Pedersen for his years of service, and both Hiltz and Cunningham for filling the gap he left when he vacated earlier this year to take a job as executive director of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.